shudder 1 of 2

noun

Definition of shuddernext
as in shiver
an instance of shaking involuntarily with fear or cold a shudder ran through him as he stepped outside into the snow

Synonyms & Similar Words

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shudder

2 of 2

verb

ˈshə-dər How to pronounce shudder (audio)
as in to shake
to make a series of small irregular or violent movements huddled in the basement, we shuddered with fear as we heard the approaching tornado

Synonyms & Similar Words

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of shudder
Noun
Some advancements have sent shudders through Hollywood. — ABC News, 18 May 2026 In early April, Anthropic sent shudders through the tech community with Claude’s Mythos Preview model. — Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, Fortune, 2 May 2026
Verb
Speaking to the media before England’s 3-2 victory over Mexico in the World Cup last 16, England manager Thomas Tuchel gave an update on Declan Rice that would make Arsenal fans shudder. — Nnamdi Onyeagwara, New York Times, 13 July 2026 These seemingly innocuous incidents attain new significance as they’re revisited alongside a slow crescendo that suddenly turns to shuddering piano chords on the track’s bridge. — Nick Ayres Demasi, Pitchfork, 1 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for shudder
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shudder
  1. shiver
  2. shake
  3. tremble
  4. jerk
  5. quiver
  6. vibrate
Noun
  • Which should really send a shiver of age paralysis down every Millennial reader’s spine.
    — Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 25 Aug. 2026
  • Speaking to Julia Cunningham on her eponymous podcast, Adams says the moment when Cecile realizes her half-sister is the serial killer (while her mom was a plain ol’ one-off manslaughterer) still gives her the shivers.
    — Bethy Squires, Vulture, 22 July 2026
Definition of shiver
Verb
  • Beck didn’t participate in the book, but Riesman finds enough friends, family and associates to assemble a complex portrait of an artist who wants his audiences to see him as fashion-forward but has had a hard time shaking his past.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 31 Aug. 2026
  • Thunderous applause may greet one documentary premiering at the Venice Film Festival, fitting for a story of athletes who shake the earth with every footfall.
    — Matthew Carey, Deadline, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of shake
Noun
  • Be a good child, do what they’re told, be the best child, a tremble in their hands, say nothing, tensed for the knock on the door.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 17 June 2026
  • Ultimately, the recent market trembles reveal less about the immediate dangers of AI and more about the precarious psychology of modern trading.
    — Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 24 Feb. 2026
Definition of tremble
Verb
  • But in 1933, within a matter of days, they were jerked back into reality.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 12 Aug. 2026
  • Stuttering lines, on the left, jerking up and down, denote the rattle of guns; on the right, the lines are all but flat, as silence descends.
    — Anthony Lane, New Yorker, 3 Aug. 2026
Definition of jerk
Verb
  • But each of its eight-and-a-half minutes introduces a subtle mutation, rotating buzzing electronics and quivering guitars into the spotlight.
    — Arman Khan, Pitchfork, 4 Aug. 2026
  • Even now, there are moments during presentations when my voice still quivers.
    — Michelle De Almeida, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026
Definition of quiver
Verb
  • During a mental-coaching session, Tibetan sound bowls vibrate softly across my abdomen.
    — Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 23 Aug. 2026
  • Every time my phone vibrates with a new text from him and my screen lights up with his name, a shot of serotonin goes straight to my heart.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of vibrate

Browse Nearby Words

shucks (off)
shudder
shuddered
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Shudder.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shudder. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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